International Trade

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has upheld its previous decision to rule against the U.S. and the October 20, 2014 Panel Report, citing that U.S. Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) regulations that apply to imported meat discriminate against Canada and Mexico. This is the third time the WTO has rejected the modified U.S. regulations stating it discriminated against Canada and Mexico creating a technical barrier to trade. In declining the U.S.’s appeal, the WTO decision will now enable Canada and Mexico to apply retaliatory tariffs.

The pea leafminer (Lirigomyza langei) is considered by Japan to be a quarantine pest. Within the last month, several vegetable shipments inspected at Japanese ports were found to contain the pea leafminer. While the shipments were permitted entry following fumigation, any continuation of pest finds could result in Japan taking stricter action on entry in the future.

Due to recent Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) violations on several export shipments to Taiwan, Western Growers reminds members that while the U.S. may have established tolerances on a particular pesticide/fungicide, other countries’ threshold limits may be lower or non-established. Such violations will not only place the individual shipper on enhanced surveillance, but in many cases will increase the surveillance of the entire industry when exporting to Taiwan.

Today, President and CEO of Western Growers issued a statement following the release of text of the Trans Pacific Partnership trade agreement. A deal between the United States and the 11 other Pacific Rim countries participating in the negotiations was reached on October 5, 2015. TPP is critical for the U.S. fresh produce industry as the TPP countries represent more than 46 percent of our fruit, vegetable and tree nut exports. The actual text of the agreement was released to the public for the first time earlier today.